This beach on Lanzarote, in Spain's Canary Islands, is known as Famara, and is
backed by dramatic pinkish cliffs.

On the northwest coast of the island, away from the resorts, the long, curving bay is backed by spectacular pinkish cliffs. Pedro Almodóvar chose this dramatic setting to shoot some key scenes of his last film, Broken Embraces. César Manrique, the visionary artist, architect and environmentalist whose influence is seen all over the island, spent his childhood holidays in Famara and always said it was his favourite place.

Surfing, windsurfing or kiteboarding – professionals often train here. Book lessons in one of the surf schools in the village. The cliffs are popular with hang-gliders too.

Bars and bites

There is nothing right on the beach, but there are several bars and restaurants in the nearby village of La Caleta de Famara. El Risco serves fantastic fish, rice dishes and Canarian specialities (Calle Montaña Clara 30; 00 34 928 366397; www.restauranteelrisco.com). Try a wine made in Lanzarote with your meal.

Getting there

From the LZ-30, the road through the centre of the island, turn off onto either the LZ-401 or the LZ-402, which both lead to Famara.